Chronic thoracolumbar pain and the role of acupressure as a complementary therapy

Chronic thoracolumbar pain represents a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects functional capacity and quality of life. Acupressure, as a non-invasive complementary therapy, has gained increasing attention in the management of chronic pain conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing pain intensity and improving functional status in patients with chronic thoracolumbar pain, as well as to explain its underlying anatomical and neurophysiological mechanisms. The study is based on a descriptive-analytical review of relevant scientific literature, including clinical trials and systematic reviews. Results: The analyzed data indicate that acupressure stimulation leads to the activation of descending inhibitory services, continues to release endogenous opioids and serotonin, as well as a part of muscle spasm and improvement of local microcirculation. Clinical studies have shown a statistically significant effect on the negative effect of pain and improvement of functional mobility when acupressure is applied as part of a multimodal therapeutic protocol. Acupressure can reduce pain intensity by approximately 30-60%, improve spinal mobility by 20-40% and reduce muscle tension and spasm. These effects are associated with the activation of peripheral receptors, modulation of pain pathways in the spinal cord, and the release of endogenous opioids such as endorphins. The findings suggest that the combined use of local (Ashi) points and specific points such as BL23, BL25, and BL40 provides optimal therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, acupressure is an effective, safe, and accessible complementary therapy for the management of chronic thoracolumbar pain, with significant clinical potential for integration into modern rehabilitation practice.
Keywords: acupressure, thoracolumbar pain, chronic pain, spine, complementary therapy.
Field: Public Health and Medicine